Six candidates are vying for three spots on the Foothill-De Anza Community College District’s board of trustees.

The candidates—Patrick Ahrens, incumbent Laura Casas, Peter Landsberger, Orrin Mahoney, Eric Rosenthal and Gilbert Wong—vary in background, age and vision for the district.

Incumbents Betsy Bechtel, elected in 2003, and board president Joan Barram, appointed in 2009, decided to not seek re-election.

There are some district priorities the candidates agree on, such as continuing quality education in the district and making it more accessible, while other topics such as finances and student debt were more important to some candidates than others.

Wong, a terming-out Cupertino city councilman, said he has three main priorities.

“I see a top priority being to help high school students transfer within two years to a four-year university,” Wong said. “Another priority is to ensure students are up to college standards and ready to transfer, as some students need remedial assistance to be successful with limited funding. Lastly, we need to continue to support community education and allow seniors to repeat classes like art or photography without being charged triple the regular fee.”

Mahoney, who has been on the De Anza College Commission for 14 years, is also a former Cupertino councilman.

“Finances are always an issue, and we need to work toward solid fiscal management and other funding options such as a possible parcel tax,” he said. “We also have an aging infrastructure that has been helped by the past bond funding, but still leaves some unmet needs. Finally, the cost of living, especially housing, will impact our ability to attract and retain top talent.”

Landsberger, a longtime Los Altos resident and former community college teacher, dean, president and chancellor, said his top priority would be enrollment, in addition to making the transition from high school to college easier and enhancing student services.

“De Anza and Foothill both struggle to enroll the number of students they need to earn all of the revenue they are entitled to from the state,” he said. “That trend cannot be allowed to continue. If elected I know I will be able to help my fellow board members analyze enrollment issues and help the district’s leadership evaluate strategies to address them.”

If re-elected, Casas said she would continue to advocate for student services and success, while also addressing budget shortfalls, encouraging the use of open education resources for students and searching for a long-term solution to teacher attrition because of lack of affordable housing.

“There have been drastic cuts to categorical funding, which includes many student support services,” she said. “My highest priority is adequate funding of student support services that contribute to eliminating the achievement gap. Support services are critical in the retention and success of these students.”

Ahrens, education policy advisor and senior representative for California Assembly District 28 and former student trustee for the board, said keeping education accessible for “lifetime learners” is of utmost importance, as is increasing affordability for all students.

“What I’ve been hearing on the campaign trail, from students and community members, is the importance of making sure that we have community college and accessible and as affordable as possible,” he said. “That’s the avenue in which so many students are able to get an education.”

Ahrens said that he owes his success to De Anza and can make a difference on the board.

“As someone who went to college relatively recently, I think I know what it’s like to struggle to buy your textbooks, to struggle to have to afford your classes or have to work a full-time job and go to school full time just to make ends meet,” he said. “Having that experience, I’m able to advocate and address student issues as far as policy.”

Casas said that as the only incumbent running, she believes her experience on the board is invaluable.

“My continued service can provide the institutional knowledge and stability going forward, since I believe I have served as a capable and effective board member for the last 10 years,” she said. “I have dedicated most of my life and I am passionate about the issue of education.”

Landsberger said his experience both outside the district and within the community will be a positive addition to the board.

“Everyone in our community should have a chance to receive a good and affordable education,” he said. “I believe my qualifications, experience and proven commitment to community college students and their success are especially important characteristics for voters to consider.”

Mahoney, who worked for 35 years in management with Hewlett-Packard, said he will bring a unique perspective to the board.

“I am the only candidate that combines the high-tech business experience and significant government experience that the district needs to move forward in today’s dynamic educational and economic environment,” he said. “My 17 years of government experience as a planning commissioner, council member and two-time mayor taught me the value of collaborative decision making, including community outreach.”

Wong said his life experience, coupled with his knowledge of public policy, qualify him for the board.

“I have a passion for education as my immigrant parents taught me to work hard, respect our elders and earn a solid education,” he said. “I would reach out to students, teachers and our surrounding community to find out their needs, as we live in one of the nation’s best community college districts.”

Rosenthal, a former Foothill College employee, did not respond to requests for comment.

Kristi Myllenbeck covers all things Cupertino, from crime and breaking news to education and development. She has been working for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers since 2015. She is a San Jose State University alumna and enjoys hiking and camping in her spare time.

On Jan. 5, 11 volunteers from the Central YMCA descended upon San Jose’s historic Municipal Rose Garden with one goal in mind: to prune 3,500 rosebushes. With the help of the San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department, and a little bit of elbow grease, yellow-vested volunteers of all ages were able to beautify the garden. “After cutting back...